Bo Nix is not a Sean Payton creation.
He was not pieced together like Frankenstein, before being let loose into the Dove Valley meadow to wreak havoc on the NFL. Payton finds the implication insulting. Which is fascinating.
Payton likes Peyton and Paton, but definitely Payton. And the narrative that Nix only blossomed because he went to the right team with the right scheme makes the coach look better.
And Payton is having none of it.
He wanted Nix more than anyone. And didn’t give a (bleep) what others thought of him taking Nix as the sixth quarterback in the first round. He had a vision for the player, and it resulted in one of the best rookie quarterback seasons of all time.
But he wants everyone to know that he wasn’t working with bald tires and spare parts. He loves Nix, believes he will be a “superstar” in the next two years.
Excuse me, what?
Did Payton max out another gift card on Starbucks lattes?
In recent conversations with national writers at The Athletic, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports, Payton sounded like someone who sees Nix rising to the same level as current NFL royalty Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes.
Two weeks into training camp makes the mind wander. It’s hard to understand what is real and what is heat stroke. But Payton keeps doubling down on his quarterback. And I love it.
Don’t completely buy it, but I love it, nonetheless.
This tells me Payton believes his offense is about to go off because of a trustworthy running game and upgraded tight end.
Here’s the thing about Nix: He is better than you think. And way better than what draftniks predicted. Had Payton listened to the criticism, he would have thought Nix’s floor was the sewer and his ceiling the manhole cover.
Nix delivered 34 total touchdowns last season — 29 passing, four rushing, one receiving. He plays bigger than listed. Runs faster than expected. And is alarmingly accurate, demonstrating precision even with only one weapon (Courtland Sutton) that you wanted on your fantasy league team.
One season is a small sample size, but it says Nix is good.
No, he is not Andrew Luck, capable of overcoming an empty roster and front office dysfunction. Or John Elway, the greatest college prospect ever.
But the Broncos can win big because of Nix, not despite him. Payton knows this. He also knows something else, a secret that will become obvious after the season’s first month: The Broncos will be balanced.
When most men fall in love, they buy a diamond. Payton got Nix a run game and Evan Engram.
Saddle up, Broncos Country.
Payton has gone from founder to the most vocal member of the Bo-lievers fan club. He recognizes his unteachable traits — avoiding sacks, natural leader — and how they will be amplified with more talent around him.
Drew Brees, shoulder injury notwithstanding, was a solid NFL quarterback before he joined Payton in New Orleans. He became a Hall of Famer when surrounded by Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, Marques Colston, Michael Thomas and Jeremy Shockey.
Payton closes his eyes and sees not what Nix is, but what he will become. Nix has already proven he can elevate a team. Now, J.K. Dobbins, R.J. Harvey and Engram will lift him. Mark it down, Payton will have his first 100-yard rusher with the Broncos, a drought that currently sits at 35 games and counting.
Play-action strikes? Bootlegs? RPOs that lead to chunk plays with his legs? They will all be at Nix’s disposal. Payton cringes at the mention of a sophomore slump, that defenses will figure out Nix. It’s because of his talent — and the fact that Nix will not be operating the 2024 offense.
Run the ball and win in the middle of the field with a tight end. That was missing last season. And when it happens — only injuries will prevent it — Nix will be a top-15 quarterback after this year, and move into the top 10 following the 2026 season.
Nix’s first season underscored what separates young quarterbacks: His ability to process information quickly. In Nix’s first practices, Samaje Perine said Nix reminded him of Burrow with his knowledge of the playbook. Mike McGlinchey praised his humble confidence and ability to stay on time and on target.
It is hard to turn quarterbacks into computer chips in the NFL. There is an inherent either-you’ve-got-it-or-you-don’t quality when it comes to vision and decision-making. Nix has it.
Had the Broncos beaten the Chiefs in Kansas City or upset Cincinnati on national TV in overtime, Nix would be viewed closer to Jayden Daniels. Instead, he fires a few interceptions in practice, and here come the haters, dropping comparisons to former Seahawks QB Rick Mirer.
Nix has made some poor throws in training camp. There are times it looks like he knows the answer to the equation and forgets to show his work. This should disappear when facing the Niners in joint practice Thursday, instead of the Broncos’ top-ranked defense.
Nix did everything right this offseason — from his workouts to hanging out with Brees to accelerate his mental growth.
He is a special player who will have a special season. And if you don’t believe it, just ask Sean Payton.
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Originally Published: August 6, 2025 at 12:55 PM MDT